Best Dispersed Camping near Babb, MT

Dispersed camping near Babb, Montana concentrates around the eastern and western approaches to Glacier National Park, with several free sites scattered along forest roads and river access points. Highway 89 East Glacier Dispersed camping area provides primitive sites with mountain views overlooking St. Mary Lake, though recent reports indicate parts may be on tribal land where camping is prohibited. Ryan Road Dispersed Camping areas west of Glacier offer additional options on public land with established primitive sites approximately 5-10 minutes from the West Glacier entrance.

Access roads to dispersed sites vary significantly in quality. Ryan Road features a dirt surface with occasional potholes but remains passable for most vehicles without high clearance. Several pullouts and small clearings along the road accommodate various camping setups from tents to some RVs, though larger rigs may have limited turning space. Most sites provide basic fire rings but no amenities like water, toilets or trash service. Campers must practice leave-no-trace principles and proper food storage due to bear activity in the region. Cell service is available at many sites, with reports of good T-Mobile and Verizon coverage.

The proximity to Glacier National Park makes these dispersed sites popular alternatives during peak season. The Ryan Road areas feature forested settings with some privacy between sites and accommodate both tent and RV camping. A recent visitor noted, "Only about 10 sites so get there early," while another mentioned, "There are several camping spaces of varying sizes along the road that aren't too close together so you can get your own little piece of the forest." Some campers report train noise in the distance, though many find it doesn't significantly disturb sleep. Visitors should verify current access status, as seasonal logging operations occasionally close certain roads to public access.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Babb, Montana (31)

    1. Highway 89 East Glacier Dispersed

    3 Reviews
    Siyeh Bend, MT
    12 miles

    "Mary lake and glacier park east. Another lake in the background im not sure of right now."

    "Secluded location. I believe it's a ranch that lets people stay for a night or two. There were horse wranglers out and we asked if we could park and they were fine."

    2. Middle Fork Flathead River Dispersed

    49 Reviews
    Coram, MT
    41 miles
    Website

    "The road is nice gravel for most of the way in, but the last 500 ft to the shore is a very bumpy dirt road so trailers might have an issue."

    "We were glad to have 4WD and high clearance. The beach spots are packed, but plenty of space and lots of rafters having themselves a good time, so if thats your scene go for it!"

    3. Ryan Road Dispersed Camping

    23 Reviews
    West Glacier, MT
    36 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 387-3800

    "Rolled in around 8pm and easily found a spot for a car and multiple tents toward the beginning of the road, before we reached the dropped pin."

    "This was a great campsite really close to the West Glacier entrance. The road is easily accessible by most cars. There’s around 10 designated camp site of different sizes."

    4. Blankenship Bridge - Dispersed Camping

    32 Reviews
    Coram, MT
    41 miles

    "In this video we review 2 more of the free boondocking(dispersed camping) sites near Glacier National Park and Columbia Falls, Montana."

    "This free camping area has unbelievable breathtaking views especially at sunrise/sunset! The stars are also extremely visible since you’re staying on the rocks right along the river."

    5. North fork Flathead River dispersed camping

    24 Reviews
    West Glacier, MT
    38 miles

    "I’m in a camper van and had no issues accessing the site. Dirt road, but very passable leading here. Large 30+’ motorhomes here, too. Bathroom onsite, too."

    "Easy access to the river. Ability to have some privacy from other sites. Pit toilet that was fine for a pit toilet. Stayed there sept 9-12, 2020."

    6. Glacier Rim River Access 10363

    10 Reviews
    Coram, MT
    41 miles
    Website

    "This site is tucked away between the road and the river. It's super peaceful and there weren't many people around (some stayed in their car, and there was one other tent pitched by the river)."

    "I was at the first campsite on the right, less than a quarter mile walk down to the pit toilets and river."

    7. Ryan Road Dispered #2

    5 Reviews
    West Glacier, MT
    36 miles

    "Pros: Many sites Some flat/level sites Some very big sites (2-3 could probably fit a larger 30'+ rig) Very quiet 15 min to west glacier entrance gate Clean Full 5 bar Tmobile

    Cons:

    Not much for turn"

    "Road is easily doable without 4WD. But has some potholes. You will sleep surrounded by forest in nature and close to the west entrance of the glacier National Park."

    8. McGinnis Creek

    7 Reviews
    West Glacier, MT
    41 miles
    Website

    "In this video we provide a comprehensive review of 3 of the free boondocking(dispersed camping) sites near Glacier National Park and Columbia Falls, Montana."

    "This is dispersed camping with no amenities, but it makes up for that with the views. Pack in, pack out, LNT, and be bear aware!"

    9. GooseHead Camping Area

    8 Reviews
    Martin City, MT
    44 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 758-5208

    "If you have a small overlanding camper, 4WD, or a text/van, this secluded spot just past the recreation area is STUNNING. 270 views of the reservoir."

    "Pit toilet, well maintained, and walkable from all spots in the area."

    10. Skyland Rd Dispersed Camping

    6 Reviews
    Essex, MT
    43 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 758-5208

    "This is side of road parking on National forest dirt road. Lots of pull offs every 1/4 mile or so. I took one right by creek. Creek full of small trout. Traffic is minimal."

    "Absolutely beautiful view if you go to the coordinates. There’s around 7 spots up to where the coordinates lead to."

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Babb, MT

176 Reviews of 31 Babb Campgrounds


  • The Wandering Shores ..The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 5, 2022

    McGinnis Creek

    Great Site at the TOP- Watch Rig SIZE (see video review)

    In this video we provide a comprehensive review of 3 of the free boondocking(dispersed camping) sites near Glacier National Park and Columbia Falls, Montana. All locations are located in the Flathead National Forest and there is a 16 day stay limit.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0llxG33OdoQ 

    Free Camping Near Glacier National Park- North Fork Road, Canyon Creek and McGinnis Creek Dispersed 

    GPS Point for North Fork Road Dispersed Camping

    48.499334,-114.131517 

    Natural Spring for drinking water etc. 48.447581,-114.165680 

    Conoco Station($5 Dump and Water) 48.371583,-114.203917 

    Bonus Content GPS Info Canyon Creek Dispersed 48.463612,-114.167320 

    McGinnis Creek Dispersed(start of road with North Fork Road Instersection) 48.52.3474,-114.128642 

    McGinnis Creek Large Boondocking Area from Video 48.531014,-114.157493

  • The Wandering Shores ..The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 21, 2022

    Blankenship Bridge - Dispersed Camping

    Video Review Now Available

    In this video we review 2 more of the free boondocking(dispersed camping) sites near Glacier National Park and Columbia Falls, Montana. This time we focus on the Middle Fork Flathead River(Blankenship Bridge) and Glacier Rim River Access Locations. All locations are located in the Flathead National Forest and there is a 3 day stay limit at Middle Fork and 16 day stay limit at Glacier Rim. 

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zO8kY0x0BoY&t=27

  • The Wandering Shores ..The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 21, 2022

    Glacier Rim River Access 10363

    Video Review Now Available

    In this video we review 2 more of the free boondocking(dispersed camping) sites near Glacier National Park and Columbia Falls, Montana. This time we focus on the Middle Fork Flathead River(Blankenship Bridge) and Glacier Rim River Access Locations. All locations are located in the Flathead National Forest and there is a 3 day stay limit at Middle Fork and 16 day stay limit at Glacier Rim. 

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zO8kY0x0BoY&t=27

  • K
    Jul. 30, 2019

    Middle Fork Flathead River Dispersed

    Awesome river side free camping

    The road is nice gravel for most of the way in, but the last 500 ft to the shore is a very bumpy dirt road so trailers might have an issue. But that road leads you to a open expanse of rocks next to the rivers edge you can camp on or drive back a bit into a sparsely wooded area. Primitive camping because it’s free, no amenities. But there is a lot of drift wood to use as fire wood and many perfect fire pits made from the rocky ground.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 27, 2025

    North fork Flathead River dispersed camping

    A+ campground

    I’m in a camper van and had no issues accessing the site. Dirt road, but very passable leading here. Large 30+’ motorhomes here, too. Bathroom onsite, too. Have a site that backed right up to the river.

  • zack B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 5, 2024

    Highway 89 East Glacier Dispersed

    Overlooking st. Mary lake and east glacier.

    Absolutly beautiful view of st. Mary lake and glacier park east. Another lake in the background im not sure of right now. Just a dirt road off the highway that nobody comes to and is good to park an rv for the night and let the dogs run around. Anti people camping!!

  • Lynsey M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 2, 2025

    Middle Fork Flathead River Dispersed

    Perfect place right outside of glacier

    This was our favorite spot that we camped at on our 2 week trip out west. The road to the beach is quite rough. We were glad to have 4WD and high clearance. The beach spots are packed, but plenty of space and lots of rafters having themselves a good time, so if thats your scene go for it! We kept on going past the main beach to the tree covered area and found our slice of heaven. Less crowded but still with river access. We were able to sit in the river and relax. We also saw a bald eagle! Porta potties are dispersed throughout.

  • L
    Sep. 8, 2020

    Middle Fork Flathead River Dispersed

    Awesome

    The other reviews here are accurate. Access road is ok when dry, otherwise 4wd is probably required. Spacious area for all types of camping, tents, schoolies, Sprinters, cars. Great river side location. Friendly people.

  • Tim
    Sep. 27, 2020

    North fork Flathead River dispersed camping

    Awesome dispersed set of campsites.

    Fire pits. Easy access to the river. Ability to have some privacy from other sites. Pit toilet that was fine for a pit toilet. Stayed there sept 9-12, 2020. Right next to the to river and it’s babbling mini rapids. Standard bumpy gravel road access to Glacier national park. Also easy access to the Flathead national forest. Not too crowded while we were there. Couple RVs in the main lot area, ran generators for brief moments at reasonable times. One night only one other tent there. Another there were 5 or 6. A short walk from parking to sites but no big deal. Left our stuff each day while we went to explore glacier and came back to no problems. Limited wood in the area to burn but you can find it - especially if you have a saw/axe.


Guide to Babb

Rustic camping near Babb, Montana extends well beyond the Glacier National Park boundaries into Flathead National Forest areas where elevations range from 3,100 to 7,000 feet. Summer temperatures average 70-80°F days with 40-50°F nights, creating ideal camping conditions from June through September. Most dispersed sites sit on gravel or dirt surfaces with variable shade depending on forest density.

What to do

River activities: The North Fork Flathead River offers excellent swimming spots near North fork Flathead River dispersed camping. As one camper noted, "The River was perfect for cooling off after being in the sun." Many visitors also enjoy watching rafters or fishing the river for trout.

Wildlife viewing: Bring binoculars for wildlife spotting from your campsite. At Ryan Road Dispersed Camping, a visitor reported, "We had wildlife come and visit us at night and walked the river easily for about 2 miles." Early morning hours provide the best viewing opportunities.

Stargazing: Take advantage of minimal light pollution at primitive sites. A camper at Glacier Flats mentioned, "At night, it clears out and that's when the magic happens. The stars are so bright and the Milky Way seems so close you could touch it." For optimal viewing, camp during new moon phases.

What campers like

Water proximity: Many campers appreciate riverside locations. At Middle Fork Flathead River Dispersed, one visitor shared, "We were able to park on the beach, right on the flathead river and watch the rafters go by." These sites provide natural cooling and white noise for sleeping.

Privacy between sites: Forested camping areas offer natural separation. According to a camper at Skyland Rd, "Spots are few but very spaced out for privacy... Really quiet and peaceful, felt like you had the whole place to yourself." Most sites have existing fire rings built from river rocks.

Cell service availability: Unlike many remote areas, several sites maintain connectivity. A camper at GooseHead Camping Area reported, "Starlink works but is a little spotty," while others noted specific carrier coverage: "Good cell service with AT&T. Pit toilet on the other side of the bridge."

What you should know

Road conditions vary significantly: Many access roads require careful navigation. A visitor to Blankenship Bridge - Dispersed Camping warned, "Deep rutted muddy holes filled with water to get to site. Sketchy low trees and narrow road." Allow extra travel time and consider vehicle capabilities.

Seasonal closures occur: Logging operations and high water affect site availability. One camper reported, "Closed for high water. Didn't stay," while others found "Closed for Logging, the signs say closed for logging so I assume that's also for walking up to the site."

Limited flat areas for tents: Finding level ground can be challenging. As one camper noted, "Ended up camping on rocks in a tent because all of the good spots were taken. Thankfully I had a blow up pad with me, but still wasn't comfortable." Arrive early for better site selection.

Tips for camping with families

Creek-side sites: Choose camping near shallow water features for natural entertainment. One family at Skyland Rd mentioned, "Creek full of small trout," providing hours of exploration opportunities without deep water concerns.

Toilet availability: For comfort with kids, select areas with vault toilets. At Glacier Rim River Access 10363, a camper noted, "I was at the first campsite on the right, less than a quarter mile walk down to the pit toilets and river." Most toilet facilities are maintained regularly.

Beach access: Sandy beaches provide safer water play. A visitor reported, "The river is beautiful and has a little beach for swimming," making these sites ideal for families wanting controlled water access without strong currents.

Tips from RVers

Turn-around space: Verify adequate maneuvering room before commitment. An RVer cautioned, "Not much for turn around space, especially for a larger rig. If sites at end of road are packed you may be up a creek." Scout ahead when possible or arrive early.

Length limitations: Know your vehicle size constraints. A camper with a large setup shared, "We have a 42' trailer and thought we would give this spot a shot... There were about 3-4 sites that could fit our RV," suggesting most dispersed sites accommodate smaller rigs better.

Leveling challenges: Prepare for uneven parking surfaces. One RVer mentioned, "Sizable turnout spot at the end of the FSR," but added that finding completely flat areas remains difficult. Bring additional leveling blocks for primitive camping near Babb.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Babb, Montana?

Free dispersed camping near Babb can be found in Flathead National Forest areas. Highway 89 East Glacier Dispersed offers beautiful views of St. Mary Lake and Glacier Park east. Another option is North fork Flathead River dispersed camping, which provides riverside spots with easy access and room for various camping setups. Both locations operate under the standard 16-day stay limit for dispersed camping on national forest land. These areas are accessible by vehicle, though some forest roads may require higher clearance, especially after rain. Always practice Leave No Trace principles and check current forest conditions before heading out.

What are the regulations for dispersed camping in Glacier National Park near Babb?

Glacier National Park itself does not allow dispersed camping - all camping must be in designated campgrounds with proper permits. However, nearby Flathead National Forest does permit dispersed camping with a 16-day stay limit. Sites like McGinnis Creek and Blankenship Bridge - Dispersed Camping provide free alternatives outside park boundaries. Regulations include camping at least 100 feet from water sources, using existing fire rings only when fire restrictions allow, packing out all trash, and properly disposing of human waste. Always store food securely to prevent wildlife encounters. Check current regulations before your trip as rules may change seasonally or during high fire danger periods.

What amenities are available at dispersed camping sites around Babb, Montana?

Dispersed camping sites around Babb are primarily primitive with minimal amenities. Teakettle River Access offers basic facilities including toilets and trash bins. Middle Fork Flathead River Dispersed provides riverside camping with existing fire rings but no other services. Most dispersed sites have no potable water, electricity, or shower facilities, so campers must be self-sufficient. Some areas have pit toilets, but this varies by location. Cell service is typically limited or nonexistent. Many sites offer beautiful natural settings with river access, privacy between camping spots, and incredible views, making the lack of amenities worthwhile for those seeking a more rustic camping experience.